I just figured I'd add this. There has been multiple mention of big block vs. small block. This quote was taken from a site that covers most Ford engines pretty well.

To the best of my knowledge the bore spacing and head bolt pattern designates Windsors and Clevelands as 'small blocks'. Ford's other engine families do not share that same characteristic. Below is a link to where I got that particular quote from.

I think the FORD Small Block/Big Block argument is no longer valid as it once was. Back when... ...the small block was the 221/260/289 and the big block was the FE Series. Somewheres along the line, the 385 Series became known as the Big Block. There are now so many variations, that one series cannot be identified as such no longer.

Look at GM. How many engine variations did they have once you get away from the SBC/BBC?

I think the FORD Small Block/Big Block argument is no longer valid as it once was. Back when... ...the small block was the 221/260/289 and the big block was the FE Series. Somewheres along the line, the 385 Series became known as the Big Block. There are now so many variations, that one series cannot be identified as such no longer.

Look at GM. How many engine variations did they have once you get away from the SBC/BBC?

True. It's easy to forget GM had Buick engines, Caddy engines, Olds engines, and Pontiac engines that were all different from one another. I always tell people it isn't all that hard you just need to learn some basics. The beauty of today compared to twenty years ago is the availability of information for free at the touch of a button over the internet. A simple search engine can uncover a wealth of info. As far as the BB/SB dilemma that has been a mystery for years for most people. I think I read somewhere that it wasn't even Ford that originally assigned the labels to there engines but builders/machinists that took the classifications from GM who started the whole BB/SB thing. Don't know personally but the cylinder bore spacing and head bolt pattern as mentioned on that web site makes sense to me. I remember years ago people arguing whether or not the Pontiac 400 was a small block or big block. Some felt 'BB' cause of it's cubic inches, others said it was neither cause Pontiac never had a SB or BB. I guess 'big block/small block' is less relevant than just making sure you have the right part match-up for any given application.

*****************
The M and C cranks and rods are not interchangeable, are they?
x

The 351M and 400 both have 3.000" main journals, the 351C has 2.749" journals. The link I provided before shows the measurements for the Cleveland engines. It worth the time clicking on the links to all the different engine families and reading through, some good info.

Now basically I am rather lost in this thread, but I have the feeling that the engine will go into my car. However, I need a new tranny with a C4 bellhousing pattern and a new distributor. Am I correct on this assumtion?
Thanks
Chris

Now basically I am rather lost in this thread, but I have the feeling that the engine will go into my car. However, I need a new tranny with a C4 bellhousing pattern and a new distributor. Am I correct on this assumtion?
Thanks
Chris

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